pasta carbonara
Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian dish known for its creamy sauce made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. This dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 skillet or frying pan
- 1 whisk
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 ladle
- 1 tongs or pasta fork
- 1 grater for cheese
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 150 grams pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 4 large eggs
- 100 grams grated Pecorino Romano cheese If you can't find Pecorino Romano, you can substitute it with more Parmesan, but the flavor will vary.
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese For a richer dish, feel free to add more cheese to taste.
- to taste teaspoon salt
- to taste teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Use a generous amount.
- optional fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, add the diced pancetta or guanciale to a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta. Toss to combine, allowing the residual heat to warm the pasta.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta. Toss everything together quickly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until a creamy sauce forms.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more black pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Make sure the pasta is hot when you add the egg mixture; this helps create a creamy sauce.
If you can't find Pecorino Romano, you can substitute it with more Parmesan, but the flavor will vary.
For a richer dish, feel free to add more cheese to taste.